Elliptical Sole Plate Structure for Faster Foot Roll
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear sole structures struggle to balance cushioning, flexibility, and abrasion resistance while enhancing foot roll acceleration and natural gait cycle during running, particularly in athletic shoes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a rigid and resilient plate with an elliptical geometry in the sole structure, made of materials like carbon fiber composite, to enhance roll acceleration and velocity by providing a spring-like effect during heel-to-toe strikes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cushioned midsole is used to provide comfort and protection, then comfort and shock absorption are improved, but abrasion resistance and longevity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into distinct segments: a cushioned midsole portion for comfort and shock absorption, and a separate outsole portion for abrasion resistance. The midsole includes a foam layer with density gradients, while the outsole is made of耐磨 material, allowing each segment to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole structure uses composite materials combining soft foam material (for cushioning) with harder, abrasion-resistant material (for outsole). The foam layer has varying densities (soft near the foot, harder toward the heel) to provide both comfort and durability in different regions.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a rigid outsole is used to enhance abrasion resistance, then longevity is improved, but flexibility and foot roll acceleration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole is designed with non-uniform thickness and rigidity: thicker and more rigid at the heel for stability and abrasion resistance, thinner and more flexible at the forefoot to allow natural foot roll and acceleration. This local variation in properties optimizes both durability and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The outsole incorporates flexible elements and varying thickness profiles that allow dynamic deformation during the gait cycle. The sole structure adapts its rigidity based on the phase of foot movement, providing stability when needed and flexibility during the roll phase to enhance acceleration.
3Speed
If a flexible sole is used to enhance foot roll acceleration, then speed and gait efficiency are improved, but cushioning and protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is segmented into a cushioning midsole layer and a flexible outsole layer. The midsole provides protective cushioning while the outsole's flexible geometry (with specific curvature and thickness variations) enables rapid foot roll acceleration, allowing both functions to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The outsole incorporates curved surfaces and rounded transitions that facilitate smooth foot roll motion. The curved geometry of the outsole-midsole interface and the rounded toe area enable faster, more efficient foot acceleration while the overall structure maintains adequate cushioning through the midsole layer.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The elliptical plate design improves roll speed and acceleration, enhancing athletic performance by increasing forward rocker motion and gait efficiency, while maintaining comfort and durability.
Implementation Method 1
made of materials like carbon fiber composite, to enhance roll acceleration and velocity by providing a spring-like effect during heel-to-toe strikes
Data Source
AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a transition region between two sole structure layers. The transition region includes a curved portion having a geometry defined by a portion of an ellipse. A plate which includes the curved portion can be provided between the two sole structure layers. The sole structure enhances the roll acceleration of the article of footwear during use.